16 Del. Admin. Code § 3000-3016
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 4, October 1, 2024
Section 3000-3016 - Defining the Bridge ProgramThe Bridge Program provides services to TANF clients who are experiencing barriers to self-sufficiency.
1. The Bridge Program is a resource for TANF clients to address barriers such as substance abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence, and homelessness.A. The Bridge Program provides clients with specialized screening, intensive case management, and assistance with accessing services and treatment for identified barriers.B. Bridge Program services support clients in meeting their employment goals, reducing or eliminating barriers to self-sufficiency, and promoting family stability.2. Referrals for TANF clients to the Bridge Program may be initiated by DSS staff, TANF employment and training vendors, the Bridge Program vendor, or a client self-referral.A. DSS case workers will complete the Family Development Profile screening instrument with TANF clients at intake and redetermination to identify potential barriers.B. DSS case workers may refer TANF clients to the Bridge Program when:i. A potential barrier is identified by the Family Development Profile;ii. The DSS case worker suspects barriers exist during any client contact; oriii. A client discloses the need for assistance with a barrier.3. The Bridge Program vendor will outreach and screen referred TANF clients and will refer clients for additional services when appropriate.4. Bridge Program services may be added as a required CMR element for TANF clients who have barriers that cause significant difficulty in complying with the TANF program requirements.5. Bridge Program activities count toward the required employment and training participation hours for TANF clients. FINAL 3016.1
POLICY - AMENDMENT Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Division of Social Services Policy and Program Development Unit |
Complying with Bridge Program services may be a required CMR element for TANF clients who may have substance abuse issues.
1. TANF clients who may have substance abuse issues may be required to comply with the Bridge Program. A. DSS case workers may add the Bridge Program element to a TANF client's CMR when: i. A substance abuse issue is identified by the client's Family Development Profile;ii. The potential substance abuse barrier is impeding the client's employment goals, self-sufficiency, or family stabilization; andiii. The client has refused to voluntarily participate with the Bridge Program.B. The Bridge Program vendor will complete a specialized screening with the TANF client and may refer the client to receive an assessment from a licensed treatment provider.C. Once an assessment has been completed, the TANF client will work with DSS and the TANF vendor partners to determine if additional Bridge Program services will be a required CMR element.2. The Bridge Program vendor will monitor and document TANF clients' Bridge participation for DSS and the TANF employment and training vendors.3. Failure to comply (without good cause) with the Bridge Program element in the CMR will result in a sanction to the TANF case. A. The sanction will be an initial $50.00 reduction in the household's TANF benefit amount.B. This reduction increases each month by $50.00 until there is compliance or the TANF case is closed.C. The client will receive written notification of compliance requirements.D. The sanction will end when DSS receives proof that the TANF client is complying with Bridge Program services. FINAL 3016.2
| POLICY - AMENDMENT Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Division of Social Services Policy and Program Development Unit |
FINAL 3017
| POLICY - AMENDMENT Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Division of Social Services Policy and Program Development Unit |
16 Del. Admin. Code § 3000-3016
22 DE Reg. 773( 3/1/2019) (Final)